NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has come to the defense of LeBron James, dismissing the criticism surrounding the veteran star's potential move to a new team for the 2026-27 season. As James prepares for his 24th season, he is reportedly taking his time to evaluate which franchise offers the best opportunity to secure a fifth championship title. Several teams, including the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers, are actively pursuing the four-time MVP.
During an appearance on "Extra" this Tuesday, O'Neal addressed the narrative that James is simply "ring-chasing" by looking for a new contender. "A lot of these haters call it ring-chasing," O'Neal stated. "But yeah, you’re supposed to be chasing rings, because if you chase rings and you accomplish getting rings, that’s what we call greatness. Those who haven’t achieved greatness call it ring-chasing because they haven’t achieved greatness."
O'Neal, who himself attempted to win another title late in his career by joining a 25-year-old James in Cleveland during the 2009-10 season, noted the challenges of such moves. During that season, the 37-year-old O'Neal was limited by injuries to 53 games, averaging 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds. The Cavaliers were eventually eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs, despite James averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists while winning his second consecutive MVP award.
Meanwhile, James' longtime agent and CEO of Klutch Sports Group, Rich Paul, emphasized that there is no pressure on the star to make a quick decision. "We're not going to be rushed," Paul said on "Game Over." "It's his choice to make and when he makes the choice, he'll make it." Paul added that teams have already provided sufficient information, noting that he has told interested parties that no further pitches or above-and-beyond efforts are necessary, as all relevant messages have already been delivered.
